The Election Commission on Tuesday asked the government to keep in mind the election laws on the use of indelible ink while applying the method to deter repeat transactions and the crowding of banks.

A polling officer applies indelible ink on the finger of a voter at a polling booth in New Delhi. (AP Photo)

The Election Commission on Tuesday asked the government to keep in mind the election laws on the use of indelible ink while applying the method to deter repeat transactions and the crowding of banks.

In a letter to the Finance Ministry, the Election Commission said five states are going for bypoll elections on November 19 and the government should ensure that the use of indelible ink on people depositing money in banks does not create problems for the voters in these states.

Earlier in the day, the government announced that it would apply indelible ink on people depositing and exchanging money at bank branches following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes.

Sources told PTI that the rules relating to indelible ink have been referred to the Finance Ministry to help it devise a strategy which keeps the interest of voters in mind.

As per the electoral law, indelible ink is applied on the left index finger of the voter to prevent impersonation. If the voter does not have an index finger it is applied on the other finger.

In case the voter does not have a left arm the same principle is applied on the right hand. If a voter does not have both the arms, then the indelible ink is applied on the toes.